The death of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on July 13, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political history. Buhari’s passing closes a chapter defined by military rule, democratic breakthroughs, and contentious governance. His legacy and departure will inevitably shape the trajectory of Nigeria’s political landscape, affecting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the opposition, and the nation’s fragile stability.
Impact on the Ruling Party (APC)
Buhari’s death leaves a significant void within the APC, the party he helped transform into a formidable national force. His leadership style—characterized by discipline, anti-corruption rhetoric, and a military background—was central to the APC’s identity and electoral appeal during his two terms (2015–2023).
Political analysts suggest that Buhari’s absence may prompt a recalibration within the APC. The party will need to consolidate its internal factions and redefine its platform beyond Buhari’s personal brand. Current President Bola Tinubu, who has already expressed deep respect for Buhari as “a patriot, a soldier, a statesman,” faces the challenge of uniting the party and sustaining its electoral dominance without Buhari’s symbolic authority.
Moreover, Buhari’s death could accelerate leadership contests within the APC as emerging figures vie to fill the vacuum. This internal jockeying may either invigorate the party with fresh ideas or exacerbate factional tensions if not managed carefully.
Opposition Dynamics and Political Competition
Buhari’s historic 2015 victory was a watershed moment for Nigeria’s democracy—it was the first time an opposition candidate unseated an incumbent president, signaling a maturing political system. His death may embolden opposition parties, who see an opportunity to challenge the APC’s dominance in future elections.
However, Buhari’s legacy is double-edged. While some Nigerians credit him for anti-corruption efforts and infrastructure projects, others criticize his administration for worsening insecurity, economic difficulties, and perceived authoritarian tendencies. This polarization could shape opposition strategies, with some parties seeking to distance themselves from Buhari’s controversial record, while others may adopt selective elements of his rhetoric to appeal to voters.
Experts warn that the opposition’s ability to capitalize on Buhari’s death will depend on its cohesion and capacity to present credible alternatives. Nigeria’s multiparty system remains fragmented, and without unity, the APC may retain its advantage despite the loss of Buhari.
Political Stability and National Unity
Buhari’s tenure was marked by deep challenges to Nigeria’s security and social cohesion. The Boko Haram insurgency, resurgence of militants in the Niger Delta, and farmer-herder conflicts intensified during his presidency, fueling displacement and insecurity. His death raises questions about the future of Nigeria’s security architecture and national unity.
Some analysts argue that Buhari’s military background gave him unique insight into security issues, but his administration’s mixed track record on curbing violence left many Nigerians disillusioned. The vacuum created by his passing may unsettle ongoing security initiatives, especially if political transitions are not handled with care.
On the other hand, Buhari’s death could serve as a catalyst for national reflection and reconciliation. Political leaders across the spectrum have paid tribute to Buhari’s integrity and service, emphasizing the need to build on his legacy of discipline and anti-corruption. This moment offers an opportunity for renewed dialogue aimed at bridging ethnic, religious, and regional divides that have long challenged Nigeria’s stability.
Expert Commentary
Afolabi Adekaiyaoja, a political scientist based in Abuja, noted, “The uneven response to Buhari’s death reflects the difficulty of uniting a country as diverse and divided as Nigeria. His inability to fully bridge these divides during his lifetime leaves a complex legacy for successors to navigate.”
Similarly, political analysts emphasize that Buhari’s death signals the end of an era but also the beginning of a critical transition. The APC must evolve beyond Buhari’s persona to remain relevant, while the opposition must overcome fragmentation to present a viable alternative. Above all, Nigeria’s leaders must prioritize national security and inclusive governance to prevent instability in this sensitive period.
Muhammadu Buhari’s death is a defining moment for Nigeria’s political future. It challenges the ruling APC to reinvent itself, offers the opposition a chance to regroup, and calls on all stakeholders to safeguard Nigeria’s fragile unity and security. How Nigeria navigates this transition will profoundly influence its democratic consolidation and socio-political stability in the years ahead.
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